Composite graft replacement of the ascending aorta and aortic valve was performed
in 71 patients over an 8-year period. Degenerative lesions of the aortic root in Marfan's
syndrome (annuloaortic ectasia) was the indication for operation in 51 cases. Other
causes of aortic root dilatation and aortic valve disease were present in the remaining
20 patients. Overall hospital mortality was 8%. Reoperation was required in 6 of the
65 hospital survivors. Follow-up has ranged from 1 to 9 years (average 4 œ years).
Four year actuarial survival was 77%. Composite graft replacement eliminates paraprosthetic
leakage and the risk of aneurysm formation of the sinuses of Valsalva; postoperative
hemorrhage is also reduced. It appears to be the method of choice for the aortic root
complications of the Marfan's syndrome.
Aneurysms - Ascending aorta - Composite graft replacement
